FIATA

Schaffhauserstrasse 104, P.O. Box 364, CH-8152 Glattbrugg, Switzerland

Tel. +41 (0)43 211 65 00, Fax +41 (0)43 211 65 65
E-Mail info@fiata.com, Internet http://www.fiata.com

Promoting Sustainable Distribution to the Global Market

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Consumer demand has created and continues to fuel prosperous economies that now sustain
in many ways, our daily lives. Products from all over the world are almost immediately
available at our door step and at affordable prices. This could not happen without efficient
and reliable transport. Reliable freight distribution is essential to enable continued growth of
the global economy. Curbing in any form the transportation needs may and could possibly
effect economic development and the prosperity it brings.

THE FREIGHT FORWARDER

Managing the Supply Chain

The role of the forwarder has constantly evolved to meet the demands of the market place.
Simply moving freight from A to B, is now only a small element of the services provided by
the forwarder. Require new skills and modern technology make it possible for forwarders to
handle and manage supply chains that stretch around the world. Effectively managed supply
chains need to be continuously evolve processes and enable cost savings and efficiencies.

Facilitating Trade
The world’s economies are at very different stages of development and this may often create
artificial barriers that delay goods and increase costs for the customer. A freight forwarder
helps to remove these barriers by managing the documentary requirements and thereby
speeding the movement of goods, eliminating wasted time and hence driving.

Your Partner in Trade

There is rarely any trade without transport. The forwarders’ knowledge of transport, the
versatility and diversity of the range of services offered, make him an ideal partner to support
international trading. The forwarders’ prime responsibility is to safeguard the interests of his
customer.

Delivering the Goods

The forwarder is rarely the carrier of the goods in the transport chain. Usually he is the
organiser of multiple carriage, much like the travel agents arranging holidays.

Transport chains are normally complex, and more often than not involve a logistical plan,
hence the tendency for forwarders to present themselves as “logistics service suppliers”. The
forwarder has been called the “architect of transport” which today could be “managing
logistics”.
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FREIGHT FORWARDING

Creating Employment
Freight distribution generates millions of jobs world-wide and the continued development of
trade the industry, is continuing to create new jobs and employment opportunities. FIATA
also promotes and encourages the establishment of qualification standards in a wide variety
of skills and disciplines.

Leading in Technology
The cost of investing in the latest technology is in itself at times barrier to trade for some
companies. The freight forwarder has already made and continues to make this investment in
developing and up grading systems to deliver data to a variety or organisations including
banks, carriers and customs authorities around the world. Many forwarders’ systems include
links to the international trader and their customers to ensure a seamless error free
information environment.

Promoting the Environment

Congestion, pollution, safety. These are among the watchwords in today’s society. Everyone
is aware of them and it is clear that concern for the environment is the responsibility of
everyone. The transport industry arguably has a greater responsibility than many, because it
is ever visible effects on every ones daily life. Forwarders invest heavily in environmentally
friendly transport modes and support policies for cleaner vehicle emissions.

FIATA MEMBERS

FIATA Members are the forwarders trade associations representing the forwarding industry
based in all the countries. Forwarders world-wide are organised in associations. We
recommend that the customers in need of a forwarders service identify first and foremost that
their service provider is a member of their local association. Contact details for national
associations can be obtained from the FIATA Secretariat on request, and are also available on
the FIATA website www.fiata.com